Whirlipede Best Moveset
Unusually durable for a middle stage at 99 Defense. 55 Attack at 47 Speed can't threaten anything, but the physical bulk absorbs punishment. The moveset is a defensive placeholder. Mega Scolipede's 140 Attack and 149 Defense transform the identity completely.
Whirlipede saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). This was Whirlipede's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Poison Point with Eviolite, favoring a Relaxed nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Whirlipede best EVs are Defense and HP
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Spikes
- Toxic Spikes
- Sludge Bomb
- Poison Jab
Recommended Teammates
Whirlipede saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). Whirlipede maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Speed Boost with Focus Sash, favoring a Hardy nature.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Toxic Spikes
- Protect
- Endeavor
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Whirlipede saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Whirlipede maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Speed Boost with Eviolite, favoring a Bold nature.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Toxic Spikes
- Spikes
- Endeavor
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Whirlipede saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Whirlipede maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Speed Boost with Eviolite, favoring a Modest nature.
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Solar Beam
- Venoshock
- Toxic
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Whirlipede Weakness
Whirlipede is weak to Fire, Flying, Psychic, and Rock. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Standard number of weaknesses for the Bug/Poison typing.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Flying, Psychic, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Poison, Bug, Fairy |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Grass, Fighting |
What is Whirlipede Weak Against
AvgBest Pokemon Against Whirlipede
Staraptor's Double-Edge hits Whirlipede for 48-56%. Gardevoir's Psychic also KOs at 124-146%.
 Cinderace Fire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityLibero ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Whirlipede View Cinderace builds →U Turn9-11% Sucker Punch18-22% | ||
 Staraptor Normal | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityReckless ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Whirlipede View Staraptor builds →Close Combat8-9% U Turn9-11% Double Edge48-56% | ||
 Gardevoir PsychicFairy | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityTrace ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Whirlipede View Gardevoir builds →Moonblast33-38% Psychic 2x124-146%KO | ||
 Rhyperior GroundRock | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySolidrock ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Whirlipede View Rhyperior builds →Earthquake49-58% Stone Edge 2x98-116%KO | ||
Evolution
Partway through Venipede's chain. Whirlipede still has another evolution ahead before reaching Scolipede. For breeding, quick to hatch with plenty of partners via one egg group. Defense has grown the most so far (+40), but there's still another 125 stats to gain in the final evolution. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Whirlipede to get Venipede eggs easily using 91 partners from the Bug egg group.
How to Get Whirlipede
A few locations for Whirlipede with moderate rates across mid-game routes. The sort toggle below swaps between best odds and earliest access, so you can approach it based on where you are in the game.
Where To Catch Whirlipede in LZA
To get Whirlipede, start by catching Venipede through walking encounters at Lv. 14-64. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch VenipedeWild Zone 5Lv.14-15OverworldLegends: Z-A- Step 2Whirlipede ✓Wild Zone 5Lv.27-28OverworldLegends: Z-AWild Zone 15Lv.40-41OverworldLegends: Z-Aor evolve from Venipede (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into ScolipedeWild Zone 15Lv.42-43OverworldLegends: Z-AWild Zone 20Lv.63-64OverworldLegends: Z-Aor evolve from Whirlipede (Step 2)
Whirlipede doesn't appear wild. Catch Venipede instead, it shows up at solid rates. Evolve it at level 30 to get Whirlipede. The 3-stage chain is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Whirlipede in SwSh
Venipede is your first catch on the way to Whirlipede. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 10-18 across 36 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch VenipedeForest of FocusLv.10-15OverworldRate 56%SnowstormForest of FocusLv.10-15OverworldRate 56%Normal WeatherForest of FocusLv.10-15OverworldRate 56%SnowingForest of FocusLv.10-15OverworldRate 46%SandstormForest of FocusLv.10-15OverworldRate 46%Heavy FogForest of FocusLv.10-15OverworldRate 36%RainingForest of FocusLv.10-15OverworldRate 36%OvercastForest of FocusLv.10-15OverworldRate 36%Intense SunForest of FocusLv.10-15OverworldRate 36%ThunderstormForest of FocusLv.13-18GrassRate 30%SnowstormForest of FocusLv.13-18GrassRate 30%Heavy FogForest of FocusLv.13-18GrassRate 30%Normal WeatherForest of FocusLv.13-18GrassRate 30%RainingForest of FocusLv.13-18GrassRate 30%SnowingForest of FocusLv.13-18GrassRate 30%Intense SunForest of FocusLv.13-18GrassRate 30%OvercastForest of FocusLv.13-18GrassRate 30%SandstormForest of FocusLv.13-18GrassRate 30%Thunderstorm
Step 2Whirlipede ✓BREEDINGAvailableLeave Scolipede with a compatible partner at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Whirlipede egg.
Step 3Evolve into Scolipede
Whirlipede can't be caught in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. Transfer Venipede from Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, or Legends: Z-A and evolve through the 3-stage chain to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
How to Obtain Whirlipede in USUM
- Step 1Obtain VenipedeCARTRIDGE TRADEfrom Sun & MoonAvailableCatch in Sun & Moon via Walking · Route 4 · Island Scan; Thursday, then trade to the current game via link cable.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Black & WhiteNot TradeableAppears in Black & White via Walking · Lostlorn Forest. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Black 2 & White 2Not TradeableAppears in Black 2 & White 2 via Walking · Lostlorn Forest. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom X & YNot TradeableAppears in X & Y via Walking · Route 6 · Shaking spot. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Sword & ShieldNot TradeableAppears in Sword & Shield via Overworld · Forest of Focus · Normal Weather. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Legends: Z-ANot TradeableAppears in Legends: Z-A via Overworld · Wild Zone 5. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
- Step 2Whirlipede ✓
- Step 3Evolve into Scolipede
You're catching Venipede first, not Whirlipede. Venipede appears at moderate rates in the encounters below. The step cards map the full 3-stage chain with evolution methods between each stage.
Base Stats
Bulk defines Whirlipede's stat line. Defense and Sp. Def anchor the defensive side, but HP can't keep up offensively. Common in the wild and worth 2 Defense EVs.
This Pokémon spins itself rapidly and charges into its opponents. Its top speed is just over 60 mph.
Whirlipede Guide
Whirlipede is meant to evolve into Scolipede. At 360 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Speed Boost is what you want on Whirlipede. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Poison Point, Swarm) work on paper but Speed Boost is what makes Whirlipede worth using.
Speed Boost is the hidden ability. It raises Speed one stage after each turn. Worth hunting for if you want Whirlipede to compete at a higher level.
Base 47 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Whirlipede is a mixed attacker with base 55 Attack and 40 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Game Availability
Whirlipede joined the series in Black & White and has been available in 8 titles so far. With 6 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BWDebut
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves